Farmers are reminded that new arrangements are in place in England for Single Payment Scheme application form Drop-in Centres.

Farmers have traditionally travelled to ‘drop-in centres’ to submit their paper applications for Single Payment Scheme funding. However, as more farmers are now applying electronically, the number of Drop-in Centres has reduced. If farmers or agents apply electronically they do not have to travel to a Drop-in Centre as they receive an instant on-screen acknowledgement that RPA has received the application.

To date more than 18,000 farmers and agents have applied electronically. SPS Online can be accessed via www.businesslink.gov.uk/sps-claim.  All applications must be received by RPA by midnight on 16 May.

Unlike last year, drop in centres will not operate in Bristol, Newcastle, Workington, Truro or Wye.

Drop-in Centres are now open, weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm, until 10 June 2011. They will be closed on public holidays. Centres will open on the weekend of 14 and 15 May 2011 from 9am to 3pm. The Customer Service Centre will also be available on 0845 603 7777.

If an agent or farmer intends to bring five or more SPS application forms (SP5) to a Drop-in Centre they must contact their local Drop-in Centre to arrange an appointment. Drop-in Centre staff are available to receive SPS application forms, RLE1 forms and supporting documents only. They cannot provide advice on filling in applications.

Drop-in centres are opening in the following locations:-

See rpa.defra.gov.uk/sps/offices for the details.